|
 |
Contents |
|
|
| Ecological Conditions in Xinjiang Sandstorm Source Areas Improved |
|
2005/1/10
The ecological conditions in the two source areas of sandstorm in Xinjiang have been significantly improved, according to the experts from Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, CAS.
Xinjiang is known as one of the top ten sandstorm source areas in the world. Of the four source areas of sandstorm in China, two are currently found in Xinjiang, one is the middle and lower reaches of Tarim River and the other Aibi Lake.
Lying to the north of Taklamkan Desert and south of Tianshan Mountain, Tarim River is widely regarded as the Mother River for generations. However, since 1950s, water flow in the river and vegetations along the banks have been severely reduced due to unreasonable development of water resources, causing great damage to the ecosystems along the banks.
It is over the past few years that great changes have taken place in the region. Thanks to the financial support from the Chinese government in regulating the Tarim River basin, ecological conditions in the lower reaches of Tarim River have been greatly improved, restoring 20000 ha of natural vegetation and attracting the rare animals into the river basin again.
The same also happens to Aibi Lake. Because of the water-saving and water diversion policy adopted by the local government, the lake’s area has doubled over the past fifty years, restoring up to the original level in the historical period.
The changes of the two source areas will benefit not Xinjiang alone, but the central and eastern part of China and even the whole Northeast Asian region, noted the experts.
|
| Source:CERN |
|
|
